New York Knicks rookie R.J. Barrett wants to retire to his “Maple Mamba” nickname out of respect for Kobe Bryant, who tragically died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash.
Barrett previously liked that nickname given to him while playing at Duke last season, which combined his homeland of Canada and the fierce playing style of Bryant but the third overall pick wishes to ditch it out of respect for the 18-time NBA All-Star.
Teams across the NBA have paid tribute to Bryant since his passing by wearing his signature Nike shoes, jersey and by taking 8- and 24-second violations on the court to begin games. Each arena has held a moment of silence for Bryant.
RJ Barrett told reporters in Charlotte tonight that he would like to retire his “Maple Mamba” nickname out of respect to Kobe Bryant.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) January 28, 2020
Several current and former players around the NBA have honored Bryant in various ways, either by wearing his jersey and shoes or by paying tribute to him on social media.
The Lakers were scheduled to play the Clippers on Tuesday night but the NBA postponed that matchup as players and those within the organization grieve his loss.
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